Why Am I Discouraged?
Psalm 42:11 (NLT): “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!”
Have you felt so discouraged that you only sit in a chair, staring at the walls? How about anticipating something for a long time, only to find out it didn’t work out? When disappointment and discouragement loom in your mind and heart, many questions roam, especially when you feel discouraged. Discouragement can feel like a slow tire leak. The more you move, the more air goes out. Over time, you can feel completely deflated.
Discourage is the opposite of Encourage. Encouragement gives support, confidence, and hope; discouragement means losing confidence, support, or enthusiasm. Did you know discouragement is also a perspective your mind focuses on? Consider this:
- You get sad because you are thinking sad thoughts.
- You are happy because you are thinking happy thoughts.
- You are afraid because you are thinking fearful things and what can negatively happen to you.
- You are bold and confident because you are thinking strong beliefs in yourself.
Do you see the common thread connecting the main point? Your thoughts govern your state of being. That is why the enemy constantly attacks your mind. To go deeper, King David identified the problem and the solution in one verse. He asks, “Why am I discouraged, and why is my heart (spirit) so sad?” Then he immediately shifts to the solution:
- I will put my hope in God!
- I will praise Him again!
The first step in pulling out of discouragement is to hope in God. God will fill you with Joy and Peace because He is the God of Hope. (Romans 15:13) The second step is to Praise and Worship God. Praise and worship strengthen your spiritual bond with God. You are tapping into an unlimited God who gives graciously. Getting in God’s presence is the quickest way for fear, anxiety, worry, sadness, and discouragement to flee. In His presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)
Don’t ever feel as though you are going through discouragement alone. God is there with you. He knows how you feel. He wants to guide you through your disappointments and let you know that He can fix anything. When you feel discouraged, hope in the Lord, and worship Him! I know you may not feel like doing it. But do it anyway! You will be glad you did.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright October 28th, 2026, All Rights Reserved